On Monday, Cyprus Civil Defence conducted a nationwide test of the CY-Alert emergency notification system, sending a simulated missing person alert to mobile phones islandwide. While thousands received the test message around 3.10 pm, some users did not, prompting an explanation from Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasides. He attributed non-delivery to factors including lack of signal, phones being turned off or in flight mode, and minor technical issues affecting the first message's questionnaire link.

Liasides described the exercise as largely successful despite the initial hiccup, emphasizing a second message was sent to correct the link problem. Authorities advised users to check device settings, keep software updated, and restart phones if necessary to ensure receipt of future alerts. Additional guidance for activating emergency alerts is available on the CY-Alert website, with support via the information line 1450.

The test message clearly stated it was a drill and required no action. Civil Defence also noted they are investigating reports of the alert sound being played during the test, despite prior assurances it would be silent to reduce disruption. The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to refine Cyprus’s emergency communication capabilities.